P.O. Box 108
Spring Lake, NJ 07762
732-449-3535
www.njinns.com
Quality Standards
These Quality Standards are designed to help innkeepers achieve a level of
excellence guests can rely on when choosing a member inn. They are aimed at
ensuring the attractive appearance, cleanliness, comfort, safety and
professionalism guests expect from a fine inn. While it is the goal of the
organization to strive for the highest standards in the innkeeping industry, it is the
responsibility of each innkeeper to make sure these standards are met.
Each member inn must pass an initial inspection during the application process.
Each of the items to be inspected is in one of three categories: those that must
be met, should be met, or are optional. To pass inspection an inn must meet all
items in the “must” category and a clear majority of items in the “should”
category. Optional items are often provided at member inns and are included for
informational purposes.
These quality standards are intended to complement the requirements of your
local, county and state governments. If any standard is in conflict with a
governmental requirement, the governmental requirement shall apply.
EXTERIOR
The inn’s exterior, including landscaping and areas for guest parking and
recreation, must give a positive first impression and be clean, attractive, safe and
well maintained.
These items must be met:
__
Signage for the inn is clearly visible from the street.
__
Walkways and stairs are adequately lighted, in good repair and free of
snow and ice.
__
Parking is conveniently available.
__
Building is secure from unauthorized entry.
__
A front door bell or other means for alerting the innkeeper is available.
These items should be met:
__
Grass is cut, bushes trimmed, leaves raked and walkways swept.
__
Building paint is not chipped or peeling.
COMMON AREAS
Common areas are those generally available to guests, e.g., entry way, living
room, dining room, parlor, game room, halls and stairways. These areas must be
attractive, welcoming, clean and uncluttered, which will enhance guests’ positive
impression of your inn.
These items must be met:
__
The following are clean, dust-free and in good repair:
__ Furniture, furnishings and fixtures.
__ Paint and wallpaper.
__ Floors and carpets.
__ Windows and window treatments.
__
Heating and ventilation are available.
__
Lighting is adequate.
These items should be provided:
__
Air conditioning.
__
Newspapers and periodicals.
__
Entertainment items, e.g., television, books, CD’s/DVD’s, games, etc.
__
Information about local restaurants, entertainment venues and local
attractions/activities.
__
Hospitality basket with complementary toiletries.
These items are optional.
__
Self-serve hospitality area with complementary refreshments.
__
Fireplace(s).
__
Gift store.
__
Internet access.
__
Office features, e.g., computer, copier, fax.
__
Indoor activities, e.g., pool table, exercise equipment, massage table, etc.
__
Conference capabilities.
BREAKFAST SERVICE
Breakfast service is a defining element of the bed and breakfast experience and
is critically important to guest satisfaction. It provides innkeepers the opportunity
to extend their hospitality and to personally connect with guests.
These items must be met:
__
A full or continental breakfast is provided each day of a guest’s visit.
 Continental breakfast: A light breakfast that usually consists of coffee
or tea, pastries with butter and jam, juices and possibly cereal.
 Full breakfast: A breakfast that usually includes cooked ingredients
and meat such as sausages and eggs. Also includes coffee or tea,
pastries with butter and jam and juices.
__
The number of tables and chairs provided are sufficient.
__
Breakfast is hosted by an innkeeper or their designate.
__
Guests are informed beforehand of breakfast hours and whether alternate
arrangements are available.
These items should be met:
__
Breakfast menu is posted the previous day.
__
Pre-defined menu choices are offered.
These items are optional:
__
Guests may have breakfast served to their room which they are informed
of beforehand.
__
Guests are allowed to take breakfast to their room.
__
Guests’ friends or family may join them at the inn for breakfast.
KITCHEN & HEALTH SAFETY
This inspection is not a substitute for health inspection(s) required by your local
municipality and/or county. It is essential that innkeepers make sure that
local/county health requirements are followed for food storage, handling,
preparation and serving. Kitchen staff must be instructed accordingly.
These items must be met:
__
Required health inspection certificates, including well water (if
appropriate), are current and available for the Preferred Inns Quality
Inspector to see.
__
Preparation areas are clean and uncluttered.
__
Food is properly stored.
__
Items used to prepare food are clean and properly stored.
__
Table settings, flatware and other breakfast items stored for guests’ use
are clean and free of stains and chips.
__
Thermometers are used regularly to monitor dishwasher, refrigerator and
freezer temperatures.
__
Pets are not allowed in food preparation areas.
These items should be met:
__
Guests are not allowed in food preparation areas.
GUEST BEDROOMS
The appearance and comfort of a guest’s bedroom also helps define their bed
and breakfast experience. Guests often identify with a bedroom they like, which
may very well motivate their return to your inn.
Number of bedrooms: ___
Number checked: ___
(minimum of
50%)
These items must be met:
__
Rooms are secure from unauthorized entry.
__
The following are clean, dust-free and in good repair:
__ Furniture, furnishings and fixtures.
__ Paint and wallpaper.
__ Floors and carpets.
__ Windows and window treatments.
__
Window treatments provide for privacy.
__
Heating and ventilation are available.
__
Room lighting and reading lamps are adequate.
__
Mattress is sufficiently firm and comfortable.
__
Mattresses and pillows are protected with covers.
__
Linens include: 2 sheets, 1 pillowcase per guest, blanket and spread or
comforter.
__
Bedding is clean and free of stains.
__
Arrangements for storing and hanging clothes are adequate.
__
The following are provided:
__ Heating and ventilation.
__ Mirror.
__ Lined waste basket.
These items should be provided:
__
Air conditioning
__
Guest access to extra blankets and pillows.
__
A telephone or a guest telephone in one of the common areas.
__
At least one side chair.
__
A rack or other surface for luggage.
__
Window screens.
__
Iron and ironing board are in room or available from inn staff.
__
Alarm clock.
__
Hand-held flashlight
__
Night light(s).
These items are optional:
__
A binder with information about the inn and local items of interest.
__
Turn-down service.
__
Fireplace (operating procedures must be posted or explained).
__
Entertainment items, e.g., television, books, CD’s/DVD’s, games, etc.
__
Table and/or desk with chair.
__
Sanitary drinking glasses.
__
A journal for guest entries.
__
Reading materials, e.g., books and periodicals.
__
In-room refrigerator.
__
Guest robes, slippers, nightshirts.
BATHROOMS
Number of bathrooms: ___
Number checked: ___
(minimum of
50%)
These items must be met:
__
The following are clean, mildew-free and in good repair:
__ Sink, toilet, tub/shower and fixtures.
__ Paint and wallpaper.
__ Tile
__ Floors.
__ Windows and window treatments.
__
Window treatments provide for privacy.
__
Secure from unauthorized entry if shared with other bedrooms.
__
Electrical outlets are ground fault protected.
__
Shower floor and tub bottom surface are non-skid or have a mat.
__
There is a mirror above the sink with lighting adequate for make-up and
shaving.
__
The following are provided:
__ Ample hot water.
__ Shower curtain or door.
__ Bath mat or washable rug.
__ Sanitized water glasses.
__ Fresh soap.
__ A large bath towel, hand towel and washcloth for each guest.
__ A lined waste basket.
__ Heating and ventilation.
__ Towel bars or hooks.
__ Adequate toilet and facial tissue.
These items should be provided:
__
Shelf or table space for toilet articles.
__
Night light.
__
Window screens.
__
Extra soap and toilet & facial tissue.
These items are optional:
__
Airconditioning.
__
Whirlpool or jetspray tub with soap and bubble bath.
__
Hair dryer either in room or available from staff.
__
Additional amenities, e.g., make-up towel/remover wipes, Q-tips, shower
cap, deodorizing spray, etc.
FIRE SAFETY
This inspection is not a substitute for fire inspection(s) required by your local
municipality and/or county. It is essential that innkeepers make sure that
local/county fire safety requirements are followed regarding required means of
egress, posting of emergency exit procedures as well as the placement and
number of smoke detectors, carbon monoxide detectors, fire extinguishers,
emergency lights and exit signs. These requirements depend on the physical
layout of your property and will be determined by your fire code inspector.
These items must be met:
__
Fire inspection certificate is current and available for Preferred Inns
Quality Inspector to see.
__
Smoking must not be permitted in the inn.
__
Open-flames, e.g. candles and incense, must only be used in fire-safe
areas with the innkeeper’s permission.
The following should be implemented:
__
Communication of smoking and open flame requirements to current
guests using either:
__ A welcome letter provided at check-in.
__ Signage in common area(s) and bedrooms.
__ Inclusion in an information binder.
__
__ Other
An inn policy that assesses a monetary charge (determined by the
innkeeper) for violating the smoking and open flame requirements.
GUEST RELATIONS
These items must be met:
__
Innkeeper or their designate is always in residence or reachable and
available when there are registered guests.
__
Incoming telephone calls are always answered either by the innkeeper,
their designate or an answering machine.
__
Preferred Inns of New Jersey directories and comment cards are readily
available.
__
Inn policies are established that address check-in/check-out times,
children, pets, smoking, use of open flames, deposits, cancellations and
refunds.
__
Room rates and length of stay requirements, including when they apply,
are established.
__
Inn policies, room rates, municipal taxes and fees, and length of stay
requirements are communicated to prospective guests prior to their
making a reservation request (preferable) and/or when their reservation is
confirmed.
The innkeeper should review the following procedures with the Preferred Inns
Quality Inspector:
__
Reservation request, deposit and confirmation.
__
Guest reservations and availability update.
__
Check-in/check-out and payment.
I have received a copy of these Quality Standards, which I have read,
understand and accept. I also understand my inn must meet these standards for
continued membership with Preferred Inns of New Jersey.
Inn:
________________________________________________________________
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Innkeeper/Owner Signature:
______________________________________________
Witness: _____________________________________________Date:
____________